QUICK Tip: Remove the Oxide Layer Before Aluminum Repair

It is important to clean the work area first by removing the oxide layer using a dedicated cleaning brush.

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TECH TIP: SP MIG 'Hot Start': The Why & How!

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SP MIG 'Hot Start': The Why & How! The Benefits & Programming of the SP Pulse MIG Welder's Hot Start Function. Quick Overview It's no secret that welding aluminum is different than steel. One of the biggest differences is how heat is dissipated on aluminum. Steel: Heat stays confined to the area where the heat is applied. Aluminum: Heat rapidly transfers throughout the material.  This causes what is known as a " Cold Start ";  the beginning of the weld bead is weak due to not enough heat at the start causing poor penetration. To counter this we have two options:  Tail-In Method -   You start the weld outside and move in toward the weld join so that the material is pre-heated allowing proper penetration.  Hot Start function  - The cleanest way to program it and avoid the cold start. (See VIDEO below) Solution :  The SP series MIG welder's " Hot Start Function ",...
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TECH TIP: How to Apply Solid Rivets Faster & Easier

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Still Using Bucking Bars to Apply Rivets? Image shows the EXT-25 Extender and the Solid Rivet Dies Head and Forming sides.  Apply Solid Rivets with One Button!  For faster, easier application of Solid Rivets:  U se the Solid Rivet dies with the Pro Spot PR-5 Rivet Gun. The dies easily screw onto the Rivet Gun and is ready to work right away.  Photo Credit:  Bettmann/  Bettmann Archive To improve the application of Solid Rivets,  Pro Spot has designed new Solid Rivet Dies in an effort to help shops save time and hassle .  No longer will you need to "make something work", using a loud air hammer with a bucking bar, or use flattening dies which can be dangerous. Installing solid rivets is now as easy as installing an SPR!  WHAT :  NEW SOLID RIVET DIES- Solid Rivet Die Head Side (PRR-40) and Forming Side (PRR-41). WHERE : Easily screw on threads to PR-5 Rivet Gun. WHEN :  Are...
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TECH TIP: How to Save Your Aluminum Wire

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Proper storage for aluminum wire when not in use is KEY to making it last longer and for producing quality welds!  Aluminum  oxidizes rapidly , and this can cause issues with weld quality and overall strength of repair.  When oxidation forms on the aluminum wire it will disrupt the arc and will be nearly impossible to maintain a proper arc. ALUMINUM WIRE WILL GO BAD IF NOT STORED PROPERLY  NO MATTER HOW LITTLE IT IS USED   Although Aluminum is becoming more abundant during production, depending on the shop, Aluminum welding may not be a regular occurrence like steel is. Proper wire storage is very important when not in use, as the aluminum  oxidizes rapidly  and this can cause issues with weld quality and overall strength of repair. This is something that is often an after thought or overlooked in the shop, and blame gets placed on welder instead of looking at the wire. When Aluminum welding wire is not in us...
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